Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 5.2.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/4.0

Exposure

1/1250s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/400s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/800s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/1250s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/1600s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/200s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/400s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/4.0

Exposure

1/1250s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/500s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/2.0

Exposure

1/3200s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/2.0

Exposure

1/3200s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/320s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/4.0

Exposure

1/1600s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/2.0

Exposure

1/3200s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/500s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/5.6

Exposure

1/320s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/500s

Make

NIKON CORPORATION

Model

NIKON D3X

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

35.0mm

Aperture:

f/8.0

Exposure

1/800s

Verdict

The Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/2 ZF may not deliver superb results on full format DSLRs but the quality is still impressive. The lens is sharp straight from f/2 and especially around f/4-5.6. Lateral and longitudinal CAs are moderate, but for most subjects nothing to worry about. The moderate degree of distortions is about average for a prime lens in this class. However, a real weakness is the annoyingly high amount of vignetting at large aperture settings. The quality of the bokeh is pretty good for a lens in this class (and easily superior to the Nikkor AF-D 35/2.0).

Just like the rest of its family, the Zeiss lens is built to the highest standards. Some users may complain about the lack of AF but this isn't really a significant flaw for a wide-angle lens. The focus confirmation is available in the viewfinder and in very critical (close focus) scenes Live-View can give you the needed guidance. That said, it remains a bit of an anachronism these days. The price level is quite steep so you really have to have a itch for such classic lenses.